Russia seeks to procure electronics for drones through Uzbekistan
"Photo: Russia plans to utilize Uzbekistan to bypass sanctions (pixabay.com)"
Russia intends to create and finance shell enterprises in Uzbekistan for the assembly of drones using foreign electronic components. This move is seen as an attempt by Moscow to use Tashkent to circumvent international sanctions imposed due to its large-scale war against Ukraine, reports the National Resistance Center (NRC).
In particular, this was discussed during a meeting between the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on December 26, 2023, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
"Preliminary agreements have been reached regarding the creation of a number of shell companies on the territory of Uzbekistan, which will be financed by the Russian government," the article states.
However, according to the NRC, this involves the creation of fictitious companies to circumvent sanctions and enterprises that will be involved in the assembly of drones using foreign electronic components.
The products and components are planned to be exported to several Russian defense enterprises, including Kazan Instrument Plant, Elecon Plant, and Stella-K.
The NRC also reported the Kremlin's plans to purchase stocks of Soviet-era ammunition from Uzbekistan.
"Therefore Russians plan to continue deploying fictitious enterprises in the countries of Central Asia to bypass international sanctions," the statement said.
Russia attempts to bypass Western sanctions
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Uzbekistan is one of the countries helping Russia bypass international sanctions. Besides Uzbekistan, Turkey, Armenia, and other Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, have been named in this list. After the imposition of Western restrictions on Russia, they significantly increased imports from Europe and exports to the aggressor country, routing supplies through Belarus and Georgia.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that in October, the heads of the foreign ministries of Central Asian countries expressed readiness to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
Recently, Russian militant Zakhar Prilepin expressed a desire to annex Uzbekistan to Russia. In response, Tashkent expressed displeasure with such statements and summoned the ambassador for clarification.
